What is the Difference Between a M.Ed in School Psychology and M.Ed in School Counseling?

Although we sometimes view school psychologists and school counselors as being similar, there is a difference between a Master’s in Education in School Psychology and a Master’s in Education in School Counseling. Many schools have on-staff counselors and some also have school psychologists, although psychologists often serve multiple schools. How are these two professions different?

Difference in Roles They Play

School counselors work in the K-12 environment to assist populations of students. They help children in social development and academic issues. In elementary school, for instance, counselors may teach study skills and may work with children who have problems dealing with peers. They also attempt to identify developing issues and to plan interventions before they interfere with learning, according to The American School Counselor Association. Counselors in middle school, when students are developing independence, help them deal with peer pressure and build coping skills as well as helping them identify strategies for studying. In high school, the counselor gives academic skill support and career planning assistance besides teaching conflict resolution and other coping skills.

Psychologists, on the other hand, are usually funded with special education money and so that program is their first priority. Counselors do not usually place an emphasis on the special needs child. School psychologists may approach problems with a more inter-disciplinary method, consulting with teachers, parents, mental health professionals and parents. School psychologists often do individual counseling in the school setting and may, as a part of the intervention for a child, conduct parenting skill training, substance abuse identification and intervention and assist in a variety of other issues. Psychologists conduct research into teaching methods, behavioral management and mental health problems that affect learning, administering and evaluating assessment examinations. The National Association of School Psychologist states that school psychologists bring together several areas of knowledge like child development and child psychology to implement interventions for children. In addition, unlike school counselors, they also work in and outside of school settings.

Difference in Education

While both of these professions require a graduate degree, school psychologists are more likely to have concentrations and training in special education, in behavioral therapy and in mental health screening and diagnosis. Counselors receive more training in advocacy for children and in working with organizations to promote the wellbeing of the student population. While a master’s degree is standard for both professions, school psychologists are often strongly encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. Certification for school counselors generally requires two years of graduate education and 600 hours of supervised experience. The standard for school psychologists is three years of graduate education and 1200 hours of supervised experience.

Related Resource: Master’s in Educational Leadership

While the two professions often overlap in the roles they assume, there is a difference in expectations of their duties. Sometimes, especially in rural schools, counselors routinely perform the duties of a school psychologist, because the school does not have consistent access to a school psychologist. In addition, school psychologists sometimes work through cooperative agencies that service many schools, developing their schedules according to the needs of the school and of its special education population. A school with a larger proportion of special needs children receives more attention, because of funding. So, while the roles may sometimes overlap, there is a difference between a Master’s in Education in School Psychology and a Master’s in Education in School Counseling.